I've Been Doin' Some Thinkin'
Mose Allison · 1968
29 min · 12 tracks · blues
A fusion of jazz and blues that marries clever lyrical wit with a laid-back, soulful piano backdrop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Everybody's Cryin' Mercy — The track combines incisive lyrics about societal issues with a catchy melody, making it both thought-provoking and accessible—a hallmark of Allison's style.
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Your Molecular Structure — This song showcases Allison’s signature blend of humor and complex themes, presenting a playful yet profound exploration of human relationships.
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City Home — With its evocative imagery and reflective tone, this track captures the essence of urban life while emphasizing Allison's skillful storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Allison's clever lyrics and unique fusion of jazz and blues create a distinctive sound that rewards repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent piano-driven sound, with Mose Allison's vocals layered over intricate jazz-inflected chord progressions.
- Tracks often blend spoken word and singing, creating a conversational tone that enhances the lyrical wit.
- Several songs incorporate unexpected rhythmic shifts, particularly in the choruses, which adds to the dynamic feel of the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of sharp wit
- easy afternoon listening sessions
- playful storytelling with humor
- quick reflective moments
- light-hearted yet poignant themes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of lengthy compositions
- prefer intense emotional weight
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1968, Mose Allison was emerging as a distinctive voice in American music, having already released several albums. 'I've Been Doin' Some Thinkin'' marked his sixth studio album, showcasing his unique blend of jazz and blues while solidifying his reputation as a songwriter with sharp social commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ray Charles· Bill Evans· Nina Simone
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Jus Like Livin' 1:47
- 2 City Home 3:40
- 3 If You're Goin' to the City 2:50
- 4 Now You See It 2:31
- 5 You Are My Sunshine 2:10
- 6 Your Molecular Structure 2:10
- 7 Look What You Made Me Do 2:35
- 8 If You Really Loved Me 2:17
- 9 Everybody's Cryin' Mercy 2:43
- 10 Feel So Good 2:53
- 11 Let It Come Down 2:00
- 12 Back on the Corner 2:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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